Vehicle owner named person of interest in fatal hit-and-run

Rakib Chowdhury, 17, killed in crash Wednesday

State troopers have the car they believe hit and killed a 17-year-old boy, and they said the car's owner is now the only person of interest in that teen's death. Chris Hush (@ChrisHushWESH) has the story.

State troopers have the car they believe hit and killed a 17-year-old boy, and they said the car's owner is now the only person of interest in that teen's death.

State troopers recovered the damaged car in a parking garage at Orlando International Airport. They believe it's the same one that hit a teen Wednesday while he was walking his bike along an Orange County road.

It has been a painful 24 hours for the boy's family. Vehicles taken in by Florida Highway Patrol usually sit in an outdoor lot, but Thursday night, the vehicle that investigators said is owned by the person of interest is sitting in a garage, protected.

What they learned will bring many answers to the victim's family. Some light has been shed on what has been a very dark time for the father of Rakib Chowdhury.

Immediately after the hit-and-run on Alvin Street and Trevarthon Road, troopers received a list of vehicles matching the blue Dodge Dart.

"We sent out our investigators to go from location to location to locate this one that had the consistent damage we were looking for," said State Trooper Wanda Diaz.

The vehicle is described to have a broken headlight, damage to the front of the car, and a broken driver's side view mirror. The car suspected to be involved was towed to Florida Highway Patrol headquarters.

The tow company said it towed the car from a parking garage at Orlando International Airport. The FHP would not confirm that on Thursday, but said the owner of the vehicle is a person of interest.

"If you're thinking about committing this type of hit-and-run, we hope that this will make you realize that we're going to use whatever resources we have to find you," Diaz said.

Until authorities confirm who was behind the wheel, the teen's family is coming to grips with reality: Rakib Chowdhury won't be back home.

But with the big break in the investigation, Rakib's father believes answers are sure to come soon.

"I'm happy, happy," Razaul Chowdhury said.

The car will eventually be taken to a Florida Highway Patrol lab for further examination. Florida Highway Patrol is building its case right now.